Week 4 - Dec 08, Weekly Ask a Vet Q&A
VetShopOnline presents Top Ten List of 'Ask A Vet' Questions written to our Vets. Dr Mark, has personally responded to each selected Question of the Week. Due to its popularity, VetShopOnline feel it will be handy for pet lovers to gain quick access to them.
- Q : Hi, One of dogs has a chronic problem with the skin under his tail and around his anus. The area becomes inflamed and he then rubs it, which cause open sores. The poor dog gets healed, just to have the condition return. His anal glands are fine, he is free of worms. He has no behavioral issues, and only licks and rubs, after the area is inflamed. He is a Hairless Chinese Crested, 2 years only and otherwise
very healthy and happy. He has no other skin issues. Our other Cresteds do not have this problem. All live indoors, free of fleas and ticks, fully vaccinated and have regular excercise. On a mix of premium dry dog feed and natural cooked meats, rice and veggies. If you have any suggests we'd love to hear them. The little guy shouldn't have be ouchy the rest of his life.
TJ, VI
- A : The symptoms that you have described are a bit unusual. Normally you would suspect these signs to be caused by an anal gland impaction/infection that would lead to self trauma from licking and rubbing. If his anal glands are not the cause, I would then suspect an allergy of sorts. Possibly a contact allergy to something that he is sitting on or a food allergy. Is there anything that seems to trigger this off? Is it worse after cleaning products are used on the floors, his bedding washed, different rugs or blankets, or after being feed a different food? A skin biopsy may help determine the cause of the problem
- Q: I have a 12 year old lab who bothers nobody. Just sleeps, eats, and tries to play a little. On the other hand, I have a 3 year old lab who suddenly decides she wants to attack my older lab whenever she feels like it. She will stare at her from across the room and start to growl under her breath. I believe jealously has something to do with it, but nothing has changed since she was brought home as a pup. They are both fixed and up until a couple of months ago, got along fine. Does the younger one know she is old and not in the best shape and wants to be the alpha dog before it's her time. How can I change this behavior. I am thinking of keeping them apart somehow. The older lab does not need the stress this young one puts upon her. Thanks.
Sharon, Evansville, IN
- A : Yes it does sound like your younger dog is trying to gain the position of the dominant dog. She would be noticing that your older dog is slowing down and acting less dominant. Unfortunately if you try to stop the change in hierarchy, it will only cause your younger dog to continually try reinforce her dominance. Separating them will only work while they are apart because as soon as they are together the younger dog will try again to exert dominance. I would suggest facilitating the change in hierarchy and at the same time reprimanding her for the unwanted behaviour of growling and attacking. You could try treating her as the most dominant dog and your older dog as the more submissive in the household. While this may sound a little unfair to us humans your older dog will probably just accept it as a natural change in pecking order that comes with older age. At the same time though you should reinforce the dominance of the humans in the household so that your younger dog knows her place relative to humans, and then you can get her to stop when she is actually growling and attacks your other dog. The theory is that once dominance is established the younger dog will not feel it necessary to use aggression against your older dog.
- Q: We have adopted a feral cat. The cat rubs into our legs but inevitably gets excited or something, then hisses and either scratches or tries to bite us. Is there anything we can do to get him to stop this. If not, I'm afraid we will have to take him to the SPCA. Thank you
Linda R, CT
- A : Many feral cats are like this to start with. If it is that he is playing rough, it is because he doesn’t know yet what is acceptable play and what is too rough. You will need to train him that biting and scratching is not acceptable. You can try discouraging him by squirting him with a water pistol or similar when he bites or scratches. Pheromones such as Feliway have been shown to help in these situations. Feliway is a product containing a synthetic version of a naturally occurring pheromone which promotes a state of well being and calm. Your local vet should be able to supply this product for you.
- Q: My 12 pound dog ate about 15 chocolate kisses. I have away heard chocolate was dangerous for a dog what can i do . He has throw up twice small amout white foam.
Sheery, VA
- A : Chocolate is very dangerous for dogs and can cause very severe toxicity depending on how much has been eaten. One of the first signs of toxicity is vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog is showing signs of illness you should take him immediately to seek veterinary attention
- Q: My cats have a white worm coming out of their butt, it looks like a flat piece of rice. What meds. would
be the best to give them and how to prevent the worms from returning? Thank you. P.S. All those cats in the window were rescued as kittens at age 7-10 days old!)
Lavonne W, Peen Yan, NY
- A : You certainly have a handsome family there! The segments that you have seen that look like white flattened grains of rice, would be tapeworm segments. To treat tapeworm you should worm with a tapewormer such as the Virbac tapewormers we have on our site. Each tablet treats 22 lbs bodyweight. You should repeat the dose after 10 days, and then worm every 3 months or so. For cats less than 11 lbs give half a tablet.
- Q: I have a Tibet Spaniel/Keeshound mix who is shedding excessively. Can you recommend a vitamin for this. What is causing it.
K Lobben, NY
- A : In a small number of cases following a hotspot, the hair follicles may be damaged enough so that the hair does not grow back, however in most cases hair will eventually grow back. It is hard to say how long that might take, maybe up to 3 months. At least by giving the skin dietary supplements you are ensuring that he has all the nutrients required to help the hair grow back.
- Q: I have a puppy that is 6 weeks old and has yellow junk coming out of the top side of his ear and it interfears with his ability to walk I cannot get him into the vet in my area anytime soon do you have any ideas of what I can do to help treat him.
Bettie, MO
- A : It sounds like he may have an ear infection. Most cases will require antibiotics which you will need to see a vet for. In mild cases the Ilium ear drops may help, however it would definitely be better if you could have him checked as soon as you can.
- Q: My vet said my cat has herpies of the eyes, (I tried the antibotics and they didn't work) what I want to know is my cat' s eyes are seeping a reddish liquid It looks like very watered down blood to me is this normal for herpies and if not what should i do? My cat is 10 years old male his name is Hoosier, not very happy right now.
Jan, MI
- A : Herpes virus is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract disease in cats. The virus affects the eyes, nose, throat and sinus areas. Eye discharges are very common in Herpes virus infections as the virus causes conjunctivitis and sometimes ulcers on the eye. There is no one cure for herpes virus infections. The aim of treatment is to give supportive care until your cats immune system can bring the infection under control. Antibiotics are often administered to treat secondary bacterial infections but have no effect against the virus itself. Treatment involves general nursing, cleaning the nasal and eye discharges, antibiotics, maintaining water and food intake and in some cases anti-viral drugs. L-Lysine is an essential amino acid which has been shown to help in viral infections. You should discuss with your vet supplementing your cat with L-Lysine. The herpes virus in cats is different to the disease in humans and does not spread from cats to humans.
- Q:I have a cat that is 15 years old and has been in really goo health all her life. Suddenly last week she was having trouble getting up. She could raise up on her front paws but could not seem to get her hip and back area up without difficulty. At times when she walks she will stagger and fall to one side. There are days where she just acts normal and walks as usual. There has been no change in her eating habits or bowel habits and no weight loss. She doesn't seem depressed. Is it possibel that she has arthritis in her hip area or shoud I be more concerned about bone cancer. I reaaly do not know any symptons of bone cancer. She does not appear to be in any pain at all. Is there a good anti inflammatory medication that is good for cats to take? Any information would be helpful. Thank You.
Kathy M, Somerset, KY
- A : There are a number of conditions that could be causing these signs. Arthritis is definitely a possibility. Arthritis usually comes on gradually however it is not unusual for owners to report a sudden deterioration in signs. Other possibilities I would suspect are disc lesions in the vertebrae, injury, other spinal cord diseases. Bone cancer is a possibility in older cats. Further investigation will be required to determine the exact cause. There are anti-inflammatory medications available for cats such as Metacam. These medications are prescription meds available from your vet.
- Q: Dog has eaten large amount of Cheese should he be alright?
Jamie, SC
- A : Small amounts of cheese are fine for dogs though larger amounts can cause gastro intestinal signs ranging from constipation, bloated abdomen, abdominal discomfort to diaarhea, depending on the type of cheese and the amount ingested. If your dog is showing any signs of discomfort or illness you should take him to see your vet.
- Q:I have a pug 28# eats liams dog food all the time and has developed ugley gas, (farts) 2 weeks ago he got into my sons girfriends dogs foor. Has the runs for 3 days./. now he has only gas what can I do for that?.
Marjorie H, Glendale, AZ
- A : There are tablets available that control flatulence which contain activated charcoal called Charcoal Deodorant tablets. The dose rate in dogs is 1 tablet per 22lbs bodyweight 2-3 times daily.